Arthur Clayton Lufkin

Arthur C. Lufkin

Surrounded by his beloved family, Arthur Clayton Lufkin, known in Camden as "Art", "Coach", "Mr. Lufkin", and to his family as "Dad", and "Papa", passed away May 20, 2023, a few days after his 95th birthday. Arthur was born May 13, 1928, in the Western Maine town of Phillips. Growing up on the Lufkin Farm in Number Six Township, he began his school career by starting the fire each morning in the one-room schoolhouse down the road, graduating from Phillips High School in 1946. Among his many stories, mostly based in fact, his children were often told that he walked to school six miles up hill each way, sometimes accompanied by bobcats, especially in the dark, during a huge snowstorm, including in June.

After high school graduation, Art enlisted in the Marines, eventually serving in China assisting with the removal of United States WW II military equipment and personnel. Returning from the Marines, it wasn't long before he and his bride, Marjorie Gould Lufkin, moved to Chicago where he trained in electronics at what was then DeForest’s Training, including in the very new world of television, stereo, and radio equipment. After ten years, he and Marjorie returned home to Maine, the best place to raise their young family. Settling in Camden, Arthur purchased Camden Electronics, serving much of the mid coast area. Many people still remember Art up on their roof, installing an antenna, or visiting their living room to fix the TV, even on Christmas Day. In more recent years, residents knew Art as he cared for their homes and lawns.

Art spent 30 of his 60+ years in Camden as a Little League Coach. He had fun playing Men’s League Soft Ball and brought home many a trophy from the Bowling League at Camden YMCA, but his first love was baseball, and coaching Little League. Many in Camden still recognize him and have great memories of playing ball, eating ice cream at Yorkies after a game, and going to Fenway Park. The first girl in Camden to play Little League baseball was chosen by Art to play on his team, “Lions”. When asked about it, would simply say, "I chose her because she was a pretty darn good little ball player." Art and his wife were both active on and off stage in early community theater, which eventually became the Civic Theater. As members of First Congregational Church of Camden UCC, the entire family was active for many years, with Art serving on the Buildings and Grounds Committee, and the rest of the family in the Church Choir. Art loved being a part of Camden, and was often recognized on the street, especially as he drove his red truck around town. He will be remembered for his good nature, which prompted smiles and good cheer wherever he went.

Arthur is survived by his beloved wife of almost 74 years, Marjorie, his four children; daughters Stephanie, Suzanne, Elissa, and son Kim David and his wife Mary Beth, his grandchildren; Nicholas and his wife Rita Weiss, Spencer and his wife Kristine Weiss, Lincoln Weiss, James and his wife Maria Gross, David and his wife Jenna Gross, Andrew Lufkin, Aislinn Forbes, Duncan Forbes, Josie Forbes, and two great grand-daughters; Nora Weiss, and Deihunna Gross.

Interment will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Phillips, Maine. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Arthur’s name to Good Shepherd Food Bank 3121 Hotel Road PO Box 1807 Auburn, ME 04211 gsfb.org. or to a non-profit of one’s choice.